UPPER THUMB — The Upper Thumb saw an uptick in coronavirus cases, with Tuscola county gaining an additional five cases and Sanilac an additional three. However, Huron County didn’t receive any additional positive cases April 4.

The increases bring Tuscola County to a total of 20 cases and two deaths; Sanilac County to 13 cases and one death; and Huron County remains at four diagnosed cases.

Huron and Tuscola County Health Officer Ann Hepfer has said multiple times that the number of confirmed cases likely do not accurately account for the number of total cases in the Thumb. Limited testing availability means that number is likely much higher, she has said, and people should act accordingly, following stay-at-home orders from the government and practicing social distancing.

Statewide the number of confirmed cases increased by 1,481 cases and an additional 61 deaths, bringing the statewide totals to 14,225 cases and 540 deaths.

The largest concentration of confirmed cases in the state remains in the Detroit metro area, with Wayne County accounting for nearly half of the state’s totals.

To prevent the further spread of the coronavirus, which has had the state on lockdown for several weeks, public health officials are saying people should:

According to the health department to prevent the spread of COVID-19, people should:

Wash their hands.

Stay home when sick.

Avoid close contact with sick people.

Avoid touching their face.

Disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

Avoid shaking hands.

Follow suggested guidelines for social distancing.

"Please do not allow your children or teenagers to play basketball or other sports with children outside your immediate household where they cannot maintain the 6 feet of isolation distance," Hepfer said. "This is vitally important in order to stop the spread of this infection. Anyone can be sick and shed this infection before they are showing symptoms."

For social distancing, we recommend the following:

Keep six feet between yourself and others when possible.

Avoid public places at their busiest times.

Work from home when possible.

Cancel gatherings of more than 50 people as required by Michigan law. However, it is recommended gatherings not exceed 10 people. This includes baby showers, and bridal showers.

Limit travel.

People who are concerned that they may have COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider and call ahead before visiting any healthcare facility. Mildly ill people are encouraged to stay home and contact their healthcare provider by phone for guidance. If you feel well, you do not need to be tested. Testing is determined based on a CDC risk assessment.